The Best Farmers’ Markets in the East Bay

Here in the East Bay (and the Bay Area in general) we are spoiled with a wide bounty of fresh produce. Wherever you live in the region, there’s bound to be at least a handful of farmers’ markets in close vicinity where you can stock up on locally and organically-grown fruits and veggies year-round. More than a produce market, these weekly community gatherings offer delicious ready-made food, colorful flowers that will instantly brighten your home, and sometimes even live music as a soundtrack to your shopping. Here are the best farmers’ markets in the East Bay that we are proud to be regulars at.

This lively market offers a variety of reasonably priced produce in Oakland’s beautiful historic downtown. Make your way along the stalls and you will find typical seasonal produce along with other rare treasures like fresh sugar cane. There’s a good selection of Chinese produce since the market is conveniently located right across the street from Chinatown. After you’re done with your shopping, refuel with delicious tacos or addictive roasted chicken from the food booths on the other end of the street. Find a seat in the center of the market near the live music, and bask in that famous Oakland sunshine as you watch the world go by.Bring cash.Open year-round on Fridays from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Located on the East Bay’s very own island, this market has plenty of fresh, organic produce, and comes alive with live music and regulars buying food for the week. For those of you who prefer markets on a smaller scale, this is the place to be. There are also plenty of other goodies to take home, including locally sourced honey, fresh flowers, homemade hummus, and popcorn to snack on. For bigger appetites, there are rotating food stands, including Indian food and crepes. If you have kids in tow, make sure to stop by Kenny the Clown, who will bestow them with balloon animals.Bring cash, although some vendors do accept cards.Open year-round on Tuesdays and Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Located in Oakland’s Grand Lake neighborhood, you’ll find everything and anything your fresh-produce loving heart desires at this market. There’s no shortage of things to do or see here — this market feels more like a block party with everything from live music to a bouncy house for the kiddos. After you’ve made the rounds, make sure to pick up some grub from the seemly endless options (fresh pressed juice! organic dim sum! pastries!). Come early if you want to avoid the midday crowds.Bring cash, since some vendors accept cards, but not all. Open year-round on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Centrally located in Concord’s Todos Santos Plaza, there’s an abundance of high quality fruit and veggies at this market. Don’t miss out on the Rodriguez strawberry farmers, who never disappoint with their fresh strawberries. For the hungry masses, there is always plenty of ready-made food options including falafel, wood fire pizza, and crepes. For nocturnal folk, there is a seasonal nighttime market as well, that has plenty of food vendors and live music.Bring cash. Open year-round Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. (April-Oct).

This small, all-organic market is tucked away at the bottom of the Berkeley foothills, and has an especially strong community feel to it with families eating on the grassy lawns nearby. Prices skew a little higher than usual, but the quality of the produce is easily noticeable, and worth the spurge. At the end of the day, there are sometimes discounts given, so good things truly come to those who wait. There is also grass-fed poultry, beef, and sustainable seafood available for the omnivores among us. The market is held in the Gourmet Ghetto, where you are bound to run into chefs from the nearby restaurants shopping for top-notch produce. Make sure to go on an empty stomach, since there are plenty of good things to nibble on including: Ici Ice cream, baked goods, and fresh oysters.Bring cash.
Open year-round on Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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